ebonyessencebookshelf's reviews
337 reviews

He's My Next Mistake by Jahquel J.

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

“You’re enough for the right man, Jru.”

Even though i liked the book i didn’t love it as much as book one. Jru really had me pissed off with her dumb ways behind a no shit man. She gave off “it’s better to have a piece of man than no man.” When knowing damn well she wanted to be loved and claimed properly. I kept thinking “woman, you have your own business and this is how you act?” Getting treated like a booty call. I will say i love that she was perfectly imperfect but that confidence was swaying. Like girl go to therapy. Being in relationship after relationship is not the answer. 

Crew to me was the favorite out of the MCs. I loved everything about his story and the adorable relationship between him and his sister. You can hear his passion about making beats and working with artist helping their vision come to life. Outside of that he wanted to have a love that was all his. Especially after dealing with someone like Toni. Love the way he spoke to and reassured Jru. Speaking life into her while not being afraid to show his flaws. Jru for sure needed someone like him because she started questioning everything this man did and him having to remind her he’s not Milo. 

I don’t know if i like the friend group. I loved Wren in book one but something was off with all three of them. I’m excited to see how Sade tight behind will act in book three. 

“Does he act right or does he deliver dick that makes you act right?”

“You were a women in love, and good women go above and beyond for the men they loved. Even the shitty ones who don’t deserve it.”

“Love you more than Mac and cheese, Indy. Love you more than brisket, Coo.”

“I think your goal was realistic. You were just fucking around with bums who couldn’t make it a reality.”

Marked and Claimed by Charleigh Harper

funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The story wasn’t bad. It’s a good nasty with some plot quick read. I feel this could be something one reads when either trying to find their next read or when they did a break from a certain genre they’re reading. I did like the characters. However, I’m more interested in Nyssa’s father and mother’s story. Also Darius and Zarek i would love to explore more. We did get enough of both situations to give us a feel of how every character got to this point. Of course I’m always here for the freak nasty stuff. Overall a cool read. 

Flagrant by Alexandria House

emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Two broken homes made two broken kids turned adults. 

This book had me ready to shake Polo ol dog ass and grab Kendra up to get some sense in her. I can’t say they were meant to be. However, when I think about people trauma bonding or being codependent these two come in mind. They both had not the best childhoods and experienced things i wouldn’t wish on anyone. Polo’s mom was a sad case. She did all of that to herself just to get the attention she should’ve never had to beg for. Toxic. That’s what happens when there’s no self love or worth. Pastor Doll is an evil cheating ass do anything to have a piece of man hoe. 

I’m happy therapy was in this story. Kendra is better than me because i would’ve been left Polo. Very happy she acknowledge her knowing of his cheating and also her choice to stay. Now what made me proud was her getting that lick back on polo and telling her mom off. 

Audiobook was so good. Found on hoopla. 

“On the night which polo became my everything. Protector. Provider. Lover. A night during which i went from feeling like prey to precious cargo in a span of minutes.”

“I should have taken my ass to therapy sooner. Instead of believing that providing for you 100% financially while only giving you a portion of me emotionally was enough.”

Spell Mate by ML Bash, ML Bash

inspiring lighthearted tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

One thing about ML she gone get us in and out of a book real quick. However, that book is going to have a lot of good story telling with all the feels. 

Declan didn’t play Rayne. Once they mated that was it. He was stepping about that girl and giving her that meat. I loved this for both of them. Him falling first and kept reassuring her was everything. Loved the way he talked to and handled her. She was his and he was hers. No questions asked. It’s truly a good feeling when a person knows what they want, makes it know and have actions to back it up. 

A favorite thing i adore is when a couple washes each other and the man shampoos his woman’s hair. 

Unhinged by Octavia Grant

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Octavia in my opinion can do no wrong. Her mind is beautifully dark and i love that for us readers. 

Honey i was just like the cameraman with my jaw on the ground. I was so entertained by Olivia with her reason for being in jail and the characters in her short stories. I wasn’t even mad at the get backs. Does that mean I’m a little unhinged? 😂 I don’t know but nonetheless i was here for the shenanigans. The way Olivia left the interview with a creepy grin on her face had me smiling. This book was so good. 

Favorite Shorts: 
-Eyes Wide Shut
-Sucks To Be You
-Choices

Thank you Octavia and @prettygirlsdoread on IG for this opportunity.

Equivalent Exchange by Christina C. Jones

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

“Someone reviled you enough for violence to be their chosen communication method.”

“Tell me what i have to do to get inside of you instead?”

Full series i found on hoopla. 

CCJ is definitely becoming one of my favorite authors. I’ve listened to three of her books so far and like the others this gets a 5 🌟 from me. CCJ just knows how to write black love. Knows how to develop the characters and story. She sets a beautiful scene. Don’t know what took me so long to read her catalog but I’m here now. 

Absolutely loved Laken and Keris. Pulled me right in from the jump. These two just had that flaming hot connection in the best way where you can tell they were meant. When he smacked that cat i damn near choked 😂. It was nice to see them grown and communicate with one another. They both experienced some hard moments in their past and even in the present there are difficult matters at play. No matter what they are each other’s safe place. I also enjoyed their careers. Laken being a beer crafter with the family having roots in bourbon. Then Keris a social media/marketing designer for businesses. 

Walter is a sucker and sour puss. Natalie is my girl!! I love when authors write a really good friend(s) to the MCs. 

Nana by Brandon Massey

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Brandon Massey whenever i catch you around GA i can’t wait to ask you questions 😂.

Nana was a damn wild one. Everyone was damn near delusional/stupid expect for the dog. Grace showing up like she did should have put their guards up and handle her with a ten foot pole. Brandon clearly shows how people will try to step on your life as a vulnerable time and do damage if you let them. Hell i started rooting for Grace because baby i could never be them. She would have been at a hotel getting to know me. Day by day they act like they couldn’t tell what was going on and the evidence all in their face 😂. And that Rev. pissed me off too. 

Need your next off the wall read then pick this up or any of his books. This was a creepy weird good time. 

The Black Queen by Jumata Emill

hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

"This is why teenagers shouldn't have to eulogize our friends. We're supposed to have more time to get this right."

Hardcover copy along with the audio on Libby.

I enjoyed this read very much. The beginning gave off "bring it on" vibes between the two girl groups. Emill i feel did a good job of telling the story from Duchess's and Tinsely pov. We see how privilege, racism and secrets affect this small town not wanting to change its spots. Now even though i was side eyeing some people i always had that feeling. So when that one truth came out it was very much so a "damn!" moment. Not  surprising but that feeling of being right had me excited. There's a lot that hits towards the end of the book. Wish some things came sooner to get the feel of the aftermath. 

Other than that i loved duchess and her girlfriend. That crew there was not messing around. Nova seemed so sweet and it sucks things that happened to her. The secrets and feelings were a good touch to add more mystery. I also liked duchess father being police. Getting to see their relationship have some rough patches. 

A good book to read anytime and definitely nice for new readers of this genre.

Where Love Blooms by Kimberly Brown

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Listened on Libby. 

This story was truly beautiful and sweet. I loved everything. There’s nothing like experiencing and seeing black love but not just in the romantic way. Also through family, careers, friendships and more. You can tell both MCs loved what they did and the people in their lives. Jamison and Liv were so adorable and spicy. Anais caught that connection right away and that made me smile. After the death of someone that was your everything I can see how hard it is to love again in that way. I’m glad Kimberly told the story where Jamison in a sense felt guilty because letting go is hard. However, him having the support of his family and even wife after death pulled at my heart. His mother n law you can tell loves him like her own and wanted to see him happy again as well. 

Liv definitely brings the upbeat spunk to any atmosphere she is in. Love the way her and those kids got along right away. You can tell those kids love their dad and mom but also have room in their hearts for more love. Once Jamison and Liv  they took it there you can tell how right it felt between them. The love just jumps off the pages. Even with Liv finding her voice about the bedroom and Jamison listens to make her feel at home. All round a great book and can’t wait to get to know the rest of the family. 

Highlights:

-“You’re my son and momma has always got you.”

-“Relax baby.” He spoke softly to her. “Let me have my way with you.”

-I love the moment he learned to do his daughter’s hair. He was such a good father to read. Those kids loved him. 

For Her Peace by Dria Andersen

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

“Why? I’m a beast, bitch. Don’t worry, I’ll leave enough of you for the police to get DNA. And when I’m done, I’m going home to Deena—something you’ve never been able to do.” 

Dria!! I mean what an amazing series. I don’t think I’ve ever read the books to a series back to back completing them so quick. The writing is gooooood. The character’s development, backstories, communication, spice, family, friendship and more. She pulls emotions off the pages right into her readers. 

Julian and Deena’s story is my favorite in how they were led to their mating. I enjoyed them actually going on dates and Julian letting Deena tell him when she was ready. Getting to know Deena more in her own story was pleasant and heartbreaking. Reading the little but major things she would do in her own home is very telling of her childhood. Deena is a strong independent woman and her trusting people fully is not going to be easy. So I’m happy Julian didn’t rush things. A lot of us ladies need peace, trust and a soft place to land. Hell some of you men want the same thing. 

Julian is a funny and loyal person. That man played no games about protecting his. Every guy in this series has that thang about them. I still love my Rocco so don’t get it twisted 😂. I really liked Julian’s family and how they embraced Deena right away. Having good family around can make a difference in your life. Honey, Sr is a mess in the absolute best way. 

Lastly, the friendship bond between these four guys is outstanding. The end had me like “Hell Yea. Get their ass.” I was singing Down For My N***** by C-Murder because that’s the vibe they gave. 

Highlights:
-“I understand your need to be independent, but i need you to understand that i won’t allow anything to happen to you. Even if i have to fight you to protect you.”
-“That’s just it, shortcake. You’re no longer on your own. The faster you understand, the easier this all gets.”
-“You plan on leaving your mate to play with women not smart enough to understand their position.”
-“Mama, my lion finna knock all this shit over if you don’t take another step back from this male.”